Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Stony Brook, NY
Considering a move to Stony Brook, NY? This charming community of 13,467 residents features a highly educated population, excellent public schools, and the renowned Stony Brook University. Enjoy a suburban lifestyle with a median home price of $560,000 and average rents around $2,350. Stony Brook boasts very low crime rates (violent crimes at just 57 per 100K), a strong local economy, and easy access to healthcare, all in a scenic setting with four seasons and 54% sunny days each year. Explore more below to see if Stony Brook is the right fit for your next chapter.
Demographics - Stony Brook, NY
Demographics - Stony Brook, NY
Stony Brook is home to approximately 13,500 residents, with a median age of around 42, reflecting a balanced mix of families and professionals. The community is predominantly White (75%), with a significant Asian population (17%) and nearly one in five residents speaking a language other than English at home. The population density offers a comfortable suburban feel while still maintaining a diverse and vibrant atmosphere.
Population:
13,467
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.7
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.2%
Black:
2.7%
Asian:
16.5%
Others:
5.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Stony Brook, NY?
Living in Stony Brook comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with a cost of living index of 144.7 and median home values at $560,000. Average rents are about $2,350 per month, and everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation can be noticeably above national averages. State income taxes range from 4% to 10.9%, so budgeting accordingly is important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$560,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$2,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
144.7
Grocery:
125.5
Housing:
155.0
Utilities:
121.3
Transportation:
133.2
Health Care:
119.5
Miscellaneous:
113.6
Crime
Is Stony Brook, NY a safe place to live?
Stony Brook is considered a very safe community, with violent crime rates at just 57 per 100,000 people and property crime also well below national averages. Residents enjoy peace of mind, as the chance of experiencing violent crime is approximately 1 in 1,750. This low crime environment makes the area especially appealing for families and professionals seeking security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
57
Property Crimes Per 100k:
770
Crime Index:
827
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,754
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 130
Weather
What is the weather like in Stony Brook, NY year-round?
Stony Brook experiences all four seasons, with winter lows averaging 25°F and summer highs reaching 82°F. The area receives about 46 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Residents benefit from a climate that balances snowy winters with warm, pleasant summers.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Stony Brook's households are generally affluent, with the median household income exceeding $136,000 and a low poverty rate of 7.8%. Most residents are highly educated, with nearly 97% having at least a high school diploma and over 61% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area enjoys low unemployment and a typical commute time of about 35 minutes, adding to its appeal for working professionals.
Median Income:
$54,800
Household Income:
$136,200
Family Income:
$153,400
Per Capita Income:
$52,900
Income Male:
$65,400
Income Female:
$47,100
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
19.2%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
7.1%
Commute Time:
34.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.9%
Bachelors or More:
61.4%
Education
How are the schools in Stony Brook, NY?
Education is a highlight in Stony Brook, featuring top-rated public schools such as Ward Melville Senior High and easy access to higher education at Stony Brook University, which enrolls nearly 27,000 students. The area also offers private schooling options and is close to Suffolk County Community College, making it ideal for families and students. High educational attainment among residents further enriches the local community.
Public Schools
Name:
Ward Melville Senior High School
Street:
380 Old Town Rd
Phone:
631-730-4900
Students:
1,680
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Setauket Elementary School
Street:
134 Main St
Phone:
631-730-4200
Students:
575
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2
Private Schools
Name:
The Laurel Hill School
Street:
201 Sweet Hollow Rd
Phone:
631-423-3557
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Stony Brook University
City:
Stony Brook
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
26,800
Name:
Suffolk County Community College
City:
Selden
State:
NY
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
22,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, anchored by Stony Brook University Hospital, a major general and teaching facility offering emergency services. With 3.1 physicians per 1,000 people and 95% health insurance coverage, healthcare services are both accessible and comprehensive. The community's healthcare index reflects strong overall medical resources and support.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Stony Brook University Hospital
Address:
101 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11794
Phone:
(631) 444-4000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.0%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Stony Brook, NY?
The Stony Brook housing market is robust, with median home prices at $560,000 and strong owner occupancy at over 81%. Home values are appreciating at 7.2% annually, and rental vacancies remain low at just 4.1%. The area offers stability for both homeowners and renters, with limited new construction and minimal foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$560,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Stony Brook residents access motor vehicle services through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Commack. Services include driver licensing, vehicle registration, and more, with additional information available on the official New York DMV website. The DMV provides comprehensive support for all standard registration and licensing needs.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
250 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY 11725
Phone:
1-718-477-4820
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.